TV industry stands divided on BARC’s transparency in viewership data
The television (TV) industry stands divided on the issue of transparency in the operation of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) of India, the joint industry body that also measures TV viewership in the country.
In December last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) issued a consultation paper on review of TV audience measurement and ratings in India, inviting comments from broadcasters, industry bodies, distribution platforms, and individuals.
According to the comments submitted on the Trai website, the view on the efficiency of the rating agency and the transparency with which it provides TV viewership data is split. Some members of the industry, mainly the Indian Broadcasting Foundation, a few broadcasters like Sony Pictures Networks India, and Times Network have said that BARC is transparent in the measurement and release of viewership data.